PetSmart Vet Appointments 🩺🐶
Scheduling a vet appointment at PetSmart seems simple—until you’re faced with uncertain costs, different providers, and unfamiliar procedures. Whether you’re booking with Banfield, PVS, or a ShotVet clinic, understanding what to expect can save you time, money, and confusion.
🔑 Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Do I book with Banfield, PVS, or ShotVet? Depends on the level of care your pet needs—routine wellness, comprehensive exams, or just vaccines.
- Will I pay an office visit fee? Yes for Banfield and PVS (unless covered under a wellness plan); no for ShotVet.
- What should I bring? Medical records, ID, a list of meds, and a stool sample if requested.
- How do I avoid surprise charges? Request a pre-visit breakdown and clarify services during check-in.
- Can I choose a vet or is it random? Banfield and PVS allow continuity of care; ShotVet clinics vary by event.
📅 How Do I Actually Book a Vet Appointment at PetSmart?
PetSmart doesn’t operate its own veterinary clinics—it hosts three providers: Banfield, PVS, and ShotVet, each with separate booking systems.
| Provider 🏥 | Booking Method 📲 | Available Services 🧪 |
|---|---|---|
| Banfield | Online at banfield.com, app, or phone | Full-service, wellness plans, diagnostics |
| PVS | Usually online via PetSmart site or clinic’s website, phone | Full-service, same-day care, independent ownership |
| ShotVet | shotvet.com to “Save a Spot” | Vaccine-only pop-up clinics |
Pro Tip: Booking through the specific provider, not PetSmart’s main site, ensures access to the right schedule and forms.
🧾 What Should I Bring to My Appointment?
Showing up prepared helps your vet spend more time treating your pet, not gathering info.
| Item 📂 | Why It Matters 🧐 |
|---|---|
| Medical records | Shows vaccination history, chronic conditions, and previous treatments |
| List of medications/supplements | Prevents interactions or duplicate prescriptions |
| ID for pet owner | Required for consent and payment setup |
| Stool or urine sample (if requested) | Helps diagnose parasites or urinary issues |
| Photos of food/treat packaging | Useful for dietary consultations |
Optional but Helpful: Videos of unusual behavior (limping, coughing, etc.) and a written list of questions.
💸 What Does a Vet Appointment at PetSmart Cost?
Appointment fees vary based on provider, location, and the reason for the visit.
| Service 💰 | Banfield 🏥 | PVS 💼 | ShotVet 💉 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office Visit | ~$69–$95 (included in OWP) | $40–$100 | $0 (included with vaccine) |
| FVRCP Vaccine | ~$32–$50 | ~$35 | ~$50 |
| Rabies Vaccine | ~$28–$40 | ~$30 | ~$42 |
| Wellness Plan (monthly) | $38–$80+ | N/A | N/A |
Pro Tip: Banfield’s Optimum Wellness Plans® include unlimited visits and routine care, but don’t cover illness or emergencies.
🤔 Can I Choose My Veterinarian?
Continuity of care matters. Here’s how provider models differ:
| Provider 👨⚕️ | Can You Build a Relationship? ❤️ |
|---|---|
| Banfield | Yes, but within a large network; vet staff may rotate |
| PVS | Yes—independently owned, often with consistent staff |
| ShotVet | No—care is episodic and varies by clinic event |
Pro Insight: If your pet has anxiety, a chronic illness, or special needs, consider a PVS location where you can request the same vet.
⏱️ How Long Will My Appointment Take?
This depends on what you’re getting done—and which provider you see.
| Appointment Type ⏳ | Expected Duration ⏱️ |
|---|---|
| Banfield wellness exam + vaccines | 30–45 minutes |
| PVS exam + diagnostics | 45–60 minutes |
| ShotVet vaccine visit | 10–20 minutes (faster with FastPaws pre-pay) |
Pro Tip: Banfield allows drop-off appointments, so you can leave your pet and pick them up later—a bonus for busy pet parents.
🛑 Can I Cancel or Reschedule Without Penalty?
Yes, but each provider has different rules.
| Provider 🚫 | Cancellation Policy 📅 |
|---|---|
| Banfield | Flexible; cancel via app or call |
| PVS | Policy varies by location—call ahead |
| ShotVet | Reschedule online; prepaid packages are transferable but not refundable within 24 hours |
If you’re unsure whether your pet should visit due to illness (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea), call the clinic first—they may ask you to delay vaccines.
🐶 What If My Pet Gets Anxious at the Vet?
Fear and anxiety are common—especially for cats or rescue pets. Here’s what you can do:
| Anxiety Management Strategy 🧘 | Benefit 😌 |
|---|---|
| Bring a comfort item (blanket, toy) | Familiar smells reduce stress |
| Use a pheromone spray in carrier | Calms nerves, especially for cats |
| Schedule early morning appointments | Clinics are quieter, less stimulation |
| Bring high-value treats | Reinforces positive experience |
| Consider anxiety medication (if recommended) | Helps in severe cases—ask your vet beforehand |
PVS clinics and some Banfield locations practice Fear Free® techniques. Ask if your clinic offers this.
❗ What Should I Ask Before Services Are Performed?
To avoid unexpected charges or miscommunication:
✅ “Is this service included in my wellness plan?”
✅ “Can I get a printed estimate for today’s visit?”
✅ “What are my options if we need diagnostics?”
✅ “Are there any promotions or discounts today?”
Pro Tip: Pet insurance won’t pay upfront—you’ll pay at the time of service and then submit a claim. Bring your pet insurance info so the vet can help with the documentation.
🔁 Should I Choose Banfield, PVS, or ShotVet?
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help guide your decision:
| Criteria 🔍 | Banfield 🏥 | PVS 💼 | ShotVet 💉 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Care | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Vaccines Only Option | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Surgery & Diagnostics | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wellness Plans | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Personalized Care | ⚠️ (varies by location) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best For | Routine preventive care + budgeters | Relationship-focused, full-service care | Fast, low-cost vaccination visits |
📝 Final Checklist for Your PetSmart Vet Appointment
Before you go:
✅ Book through the correct provider’s website
✅ Bring medical history, ID, medication list
✅ Collect a fresh stool sample if requested
✅ Write down any questions or concerns
✅ Pack your pet’s carrier, leash, treats, and favorite toy
FAQs 🐾
🗨️ Comment: I’m nervous about hidden costs. How can I make sure I’m not charged for things I didn’t approve?
Expert Response:
Transparency begins at check-in—but it’s reinforced by asking the right questions. Banfield and PVS clinics will always offer estimates, but additional services can be suggested based on your pet’s condition. The best approach is active, informed participation.
| Question to Ask at Check-In 🧾 | Why It Matters 💬 |
|---|---|
| “Can I get a written estimate before anything is done?” | Prevents surprise charges and provides cost clarity |
| “What’s included in today’s visit vs. what’s optional?” | Distinguishes between required care and suggested add-ons |
| “Will you call me before adding any charges beyond this?” | Ensures informed consent for unexpected findings |
| “Are these services covered by my wellness plan?” | Verifies what’s bundled and what’s extra |
📌 Pro Tip: Banfield OWPs cover many core services, but things like tooth extractions, medications, and urgent care are typically not included. Confirm every time.
🗨️ Comment: What if my pet is sick and I’m not sure whether to go to Banfield, PVS, or an ER vet?
Expert Response:
The decision depends on how urgent and severe the symptoms are. Here’s how to triage it:
| Symptom 🚨 | Action Plan 🩺 |
|---|---|
| Vomiting once, no lethargy | Call Banfield or PVS for same-day visit |
| Diarrhea but still active | Schedule exam within 24 hours |
| Refusing food, hiding, or repeated vomiting | Urgent care exam—go to PVS or call ahead to Banfield |
| Difficulty breathing, seizures, trauma | Go directly to a 24/7 emergency clinic—not PetSmart-based clinics |
Banfield typically does not offer emergency stabilization, and ShotVet is not equipped for illness care. Some PVS hospitals provide urgent care slots (often priced higher), making them a bridge between routine and emergency care.
📍 Pro Insight: Always call first. The receptionist can advise based on symptom severity and may reserve an urgent time slot.
🗨️ Comment: My Banfield plan says it includes “unlimited visits.” Does that mean every service is free?
Expert Response:
Not quite. “Unlimited visits” under Banfield’s OWP means you can bring your pet in as often as needed without paying a consultation fee each time. However, services performed during those visits—like bloodwork, medications, or procedures—may cost extra unless specifically included in your plan.
| What’s Covered with Unlimited Visits ✅ | What You’ll Still Pay For ❌ |
|---|---|
| Physical exams | Surgery, unless part of specific plan tier |
| Vaccine administration (if included) | Prescription medications |
| 24/7 Pet Chat™ access | Imaging like X-rays or ultrasounds |
| Nutrition counseling | Emergency care or hospitalization |
| Basic lab work (in some plans) | Dental extractions (unless in “Plus” plan) |
Pro Tip: Your Banfield app or portal shows your plan’s full inclusions. Always review before each appointment to avoid surprises.
🗨️ Comment: I have multiple pets. Can they all be seen in one appointment slot?
Expert Response:
One slot = one pet. Each animal needs their own scheduled time to allow the vet to perform a thorough, individualized exam. Even if you’re just updating vaccines, the medical history, weight, temperature, and vaccine status of each pet must be recorded separately.
| Option 🐾 | Can You Do It in One Visit? 🕒 | Notes 📝 |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple pets, one after the other | ✅ Yes, book back-to-back time slots | Best for full-service exams |
| ShotVet vaccine clinics | ✅ Yes, no appointment fee per pet | Bring all pets and pay per package |
| One slot for two pets | ❌ No | Could delay other clients and limit care quality |
📌 Clinic Tip: Some Banfield and PVS clinics may offer multi-pet appointment discounts or adjust scheduling to reduce wait times—ask when booking.
🗨️ Comment: I just adopted a rescue cat. Should I go to ShotVet or full-service care first?
Expert Response:
While ShotVet is a great low-cost vaccination option, a newly adopted cat should begin with a comprehensive veterinary exam to screen for:
- Parasites (internal and external)
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and FIV
- Respiratory illnesses (especially in shelter cats)
- Nutrition deficiencies or dental issues
| Visit Type 🩺 | Why It Matters for New Adoptees 🐱 |
|---|---|
| Banfield/PVS initial exam | Establishes baseline health and screens for systemic issues |
| FeLV/FIV testing | Critical for cats from group housing situations |
| Fecal exam & deworming | Often recommended within first 72 hours of adoption |
| Vaccinations | Should follow test results and be spaced appropriately |
| Microchipping (if not done) | Prevents future identification issues |
After this first visit, ShotVet becomes a great tool for future boosters or annual vaccines if you’re cost-conscious and your cat remains healthy.
🗨️ Comment: How do I prepare my pet for their first vet visit ever?
Expert Response:
Making your pet’s first vet trip positive sets the tone for future care. Preparation is essential—especially for puppies, kittens, or rescues.
| Prep Step 🧳 | Why It’s Important 💡 |
|---|---|
| Visit the clinic just to say hi | Helps the pet associate the space with treats, not fear |
| Use pheromone sprays (Feliway/Adaptil) | Calms nerves during transit and while waiting |
| Avoid feeding 2–3 hours beforehand (unless contraindicated) | Reduces motion sickness and increases treat motivation |
| Practice carrier time at home (for cats) | Builds comfort in the confined space before travel |
| Bring a comfort item | A blanket or toy from home adds familiarity to the exam room |
| Pre-load questions in your phone | Helps you stay focused and make the most of your time |
📸 Bonus Tip: Take photos of any strange behavior or symptoms your pet has exhibited. Vets love visual context—it speeds up diagnosis and saves guesswork.
🗨️ Comment: My dog needs dental care. Should I choose Banfield or PVS? What’s the difference in how they handle it?
Expert Response:
Both Banfield and PVS offer dental services, but their approach, flexibility, and pricing structure differ. Dental care is often underestimated—yet untreated dental disease can lead to heart, liver, and kidney damage.
| Feature 🦷 | Banfield 🏥 | PVS 💼 |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Cleaning Included? | Yes, in Active Care Plus or Special Care OWP plans | Not bundled—charged per procedure |
| Anesthesia-Free Cleanings? | ❌ Not offered (follows AAHA guidelines) | ❌ Also not offered (safety standard) |
| Dental X-rays | Included in higher-tier plans | Available; may be priced separately |
| Tooth Extractions | Extra cost, even with plan | Fee varies based on tooth/complexity |
| Customization | Plan-based care protocols | Tailored per pet’s oral health and owner preference |
📌 Pro Insight: Banfield works well if you’re budgeting via a wellness plan and want predictable annual cleanings. PVS is ideal if you prefer one-time, detailed assessments with itemized pricing and treatment adjusted per your dog’s needs.
🗨️ Comment: Can I use pet insurance at Banfield or PVS? How does that work with wellness plans?
Expert Response:
Yes, both Banfield and PVS accept pet insurance reimbursements, but they operate differently from traditional insurance models. Here’s what you need to know:
| Factor 🧾 | Pet Insurance Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Banfield OWPs | Not insurance—preventive care package, paid monthly |
| PVS | Services are billed per visit; insurance can reimburse qualified expenses |
| Filing Claims | You pay upfront, then submit receipts to your insurance company |
| Covered Services | Accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, surgery (varies by plan) |
| Not Covered | Most plans exclude routine vaccines, wellness exams unless add-ons are purchased |
📋 Helpful Tip: Bring your pet insurance claim form to the appointment. Some clinics will help complete it, making the reimbursement process smoother.
🧠 Key Distinction: Wellness plans reduce out-of-pocket costs for preventive care. Pet insurance protects against high, unexpected costs from emergencies or chronic illness.
🗨️ Comment: I’m worried about my cat getting stressed at vet appointments. What can PetSmart clinics do to help?
Expert Response:
Cats are highly sensitive to noise, smells, and sudden environmental changes. Both Banfield and many PVS locations are making strides in low-stress handling, but you can ask specifically if they follow Fear Free® protocols.
| Stress-Reduction Strategy 😺 | How It Helps 🧘 |
|---|---|
| Separate waiting areas | Keeps dogs and cats apart, reducing visual/audio triggers |
| Exam room prep with pheromones | Calms nerves using Feliway diffusers or sprays |
| Towel wrapping (“cat burrito”) | Provides security during exams, reduces thrashing |
| Minimal handling techniques | Limits restraint unless medically necessary |
| Silent weighing and temperature tools | Reduces startling stimuli (e.g., no rectal thermometers) |
🐾 At-Home Prep: Use a covered carrier, line it with a blanket, and leave it open at home days before. For sensitive cats, gabapentin or trazodone (prescribed ahead of time) can ease vet trip anxiety.
🗨️ Comment: Can I get bloodwork done at a ShotVet clinic, or do I have to go to a full-service hospital?
Expert Response:
ShotVet is focused on preventive care, not diagnostics. While they offer heartworm testing for dogs, they do not perform full blood panels or send-out labs for internal disease evaluation.
| Service Type 🧪 | Available at ShotVet? ❌ |
|---|---|
| CBC / Chemistry Panels | ❌ No |
| Thyroid Testing | ❌ No |
| FeLV / FIV Testing (cats) | ❌ No |
| Heartworm Test (dogs only) | ✅ Yes |
| Urinalysis or Fecal Testing | ❌ No |
📍 For any diagnostic screening—whether for a senior wellness exam, pre-anesthetic bloodwork, or chronic condition—you’ll need to visit Banfield or a PVS clinic.
🧠 Best Practice: Use ShotVet for vaccines and parasite prevention, but maintain a relationship with a full-service vet for monitoring long-term health.
🗨️ Comment: What’s the difference between urgent care and emergency care at PetSmart clinics?
Expert Response:
This distinction is crucial, especially during after-hours situations. PetSmart clinics (Banfield and PVS) offer urgent care, which differs significantly from true emergency hospitals.
| Condition 🩺 | Go to PVS/Banfield (Urgent) 🕓 | Go to ER Clinic (Emergency) 🚑 |
|---|---|---|
| Mild limping, ear infections | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not necessary |
| Diarrhea/vomiting (no dehydration) | ✅ Yes | ❌ Unless prolonged or severe |
| Open wounds, broken bones, hit by car | ❌ No | ✅ ER required |
| Seizures, collapse, labored breathing | ❌ No | ✅ Immediate emergency care |
| Poison ingestion | ❌ No | ✅ Call Poison Control + ER |
🧭 Urgent care is often appointment-based, even same-day. PVS may have dedicated urgent visit slots. Banfield typically does not manage trauma or life-threatening emergencies.
Emergency clinics are open 24/7 and equipped for surgery, oxygen therapy, and critical monitoring.
🗨️ Comment: My pet is due for a booster. Do I really need an exam again if they just had one a few months ago?
Expert Response:
Yes, in most cases. Even if your pet was recently examined, vaccine protocols at full-service clinics (like Banfield and PVS) typically require a quick health check prior to administering any booster. This is to ensure the animal is not experiencing symptoms or changes that could interfere with immunization safety or efficacy.
| Reason for Pre-Vaccine Exam 🩺 | Why It’s Required 🔍 |
|---|---|
| Check for fever/infection | Vaccines can stress an already compromised immune system |
| Review recent symptoms | Coughing, appetite loss, or skin changes could indicate a brewing illness |
| Reassess weight for dosing | Especially important in growing puppies/kittens or weight-fluctuating pets |
| Monitor for previous vaccine reactions | Ensures appropriate pre-treatment or altered plan |
📌 Pro Insight: Some clinics may offer a “limited service visit” or tech-only appointment for healthy, established patients receiving routine boosters—ask when booking.
🗨️ Comment: Are Banfield’s dental cleanings safe? I’m worried about putting my senior dog under anesthesia.
Expert Response:
Dental procedures at Banfield involve full anesthetic protocols, which follow AAHA guidelines—including pre-anesthetic bloodwork, IV catheter placement, and continuous monitoring throughout the procedure. While any anesthesia carries risk, Banfield prioritizes risk assessment based on age, organ function, and existing conditions.
| Pre-Anesthesia Screening 🔬 | Purpose 🎯 |
|---|---|
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) | Detects anemia, infection, platelet disorders |
| Chemistry Panel | Evaluates liver, kidney, glucose, and electrolyte balance |
| Optional X-rays or ECG | Reveals hidden cardiac or structural abnormalities |
| Physical exam by vet | Tailors drug choices to your pet’s current health status |
🧠 For senior pets (typically 7+ years), your Banfield vet may recommend delaying dental work if diagnostics suggest increased anesthetic risk. They may also suggest antibiotics, oral rinses, or staged procedures as safer alternatives.
🗨️ Comment: Do PetSmart clinics (Banfield or PVS) offer spay/neuter for all ages? What’s the safest age to do it?
Expert Response:
Yes—both Banfield and PVS clinics provide spay and neuter surgeries, but their recommendations regarding timing may differ based on species, size, breed, and individual health.
| Pet Type 🐾 | Recommended Spay/Neuter Age ⏱️ | Why This Timing? 🔍 |
|---|---|---|
| Cats (male/female) | ~5–6 months | Reduces risk of territorial behavior, spraying, and accidental litters |
| Small-breed dogs | ~6–9 months | Balances behavior benefits and skeletal maturity |
| Large/giant-breed dogs | 12–18 months | Allows for proper joint and bone development, especially in males |
📌 Pro Insight: Early spay/neuter (as young as 8 weeks) is sometimes done in shelters, but Banfield and PVS prefer evaluating each pet individually, often after core vaccines are complete and weight is stable.
💉 Bonus: If using Banfield’s Early Care Plus plan, spay/neuter surgery is included—a major cost saver for puppies/kittens.
🗨️ Comment: How do I know which vaccines my dog actually needs? I don’t want to over-vaccinate.
Expert Response:
Vaccination isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s risk-based medicine. Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs, but lifestyle, location, and exposure risk determine which additional (non-core) vaccines are needed.
| Vaccine 💉 | Category 📌 | Recommended For… 🐶 |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Core | Legally required; fatal if contracted |
| DA2PP (Distemper/Parvo) | Core | All dogs, indoor or outdoor |
| Leptospirosis | Non-Core | Dogs exposed to wildlife, puddles, or public spaces |
| Bordetella (Kennel Cough) | Non-Core | Dogs in daycares, grooming, or dog parks |
| Lyme Disease | Non-Core | Dogs in tick-heavy areas (Northeast, Midwest, forests) |
| Influenza | Non-Core | Boarding, dog shows, or outbreaks in the region |
🐕 Pro Tip: Your vet may combine multiple vaccines in one visit (e.g., DA2PP + Lepto). Titer testing is also an option for owners concerned about over-vaccination—though not all clinics offer it.
🗨️ Comment: Does Banfield offer end-of-life care? What if my pet needs euthanasia or hospice help?
Expert Response:
Yes—Banfield clinics offer euthanasia services, but availability varies by location and appointment slots. PVS clinics, being independently owned, often provide a broader spectrum of end-of-life options, including quality-of-life assessments, pain management plans, and home euthanasia referrals.
| End-of-Life Option 🌈 | Offered By | Details 📖 |
|---|---|---|
| In-clinic euthanasia | Banfield & PVS | Sedation beforehand, typically private rooms offered |
| Quality-of-life consults | PVS (most locations) | Helps determine timing, assess comfort level, track decline |
| Aftercare (cremation, urns) | Both (varies) | Partnered with pet memorial companies for remains handling |
| Home euthanasia | Not offered directly | May provide referrals or coordinate with mobile vets |
💔 Important Note: Always call ahead. Some clinics require a pre-euthanasia consult if the pet hasn’t been seen recently. Bring comfort items, and don’t be afraid to ask about grief support resources—Banfield and PVS teams are trained to assist with this sensitive process.
